Rabid bats found in Fayetteville

Animal Control officials said Tuesday that the discovery of a second rabid bat in Fayetteville is worrisome because the area is close to an apartment complex with children.

A dead bat was picked up Monday by Animal Control at Melvin Place off Rosehill Road in Fayetteville and sent to the State Public Health Lab in Raleigh for testing. It tested positive, and it's the second positive rabies case in a bat picked up from that address in the last month. The first report was on June 15.

Flyers were left on apartment doors Tuesday telling residents to be careful.

Like many of her neighbors, Jasmine Barry worries about her daughter's safety.

"She is only three. So I tell her not to touch anything on the ground, and don't pick-up anything off the ground," said Barry. "Stuff like that, but it's going to be kind of hard because she is fascinated with animals and stuff."

Experts say about three percent of the bat population carries rabies, and the infection is spread through a bite wound. Bats usually fly at night feeding on insects.

Cumberland County Health Director Buck Wilson advises parents that if their child may have had contact with the bat at the Melvin Place apartments during the last couple of days to contact him at (910) 433-3707 immediately.

It is critical that anyone who may have had contact with the bat to seek treatment.